When did you know modeling was the right career choice for you, and how do you juggle it with school?

Modeling was a fortunate accident: I was ‘discovered’ at church. I was asked by Chanel Clark (Director) to be apart of the Miss NYC Plus Runway competition. There I learned everything from a fierce runway walk to make-up artists’ secrets to what it really means to have self-love. I gained self-confidence and a greater appreciation of my curves. After winning the title ‘Miss Manhattan,’ I knew instantly that I wanted to continue to be apart of the fashion/modeling world.

Also during the competition, I entered my second year as a Ph.D. student in neurobiology at City University of New York.  I thought to myself, “How will these two distinctly different worlds coexist?” In science, your lack of fashion sense or casual attitude about your appearance is equated with your ability to conduct good science and consequently the amount of attention that is given to your research. This is especially true for women were the more neglected you look as a woman in science, the more likely you are to have a successful career.

I believe these are both blessings and that I should take advantage of them. So, I signed with IPM Model Management in the summer of 2008.

What do you think about the overall growing popularity of the plus size model industry? What direction do you see the industry going in 5 yrs from now?

I am glad more of society is taking an interest in seeing women of all sizes represented in fashion and media. I think the growth of the plus-size industry as not only spurred on the growth of the plus-size industry but it has also made some changes for the ‘straight-size’ industry too. Greater social pressures are being placed on designers to see less size 00 and more natural looking bodies; women with boobs on the catwalk-crazy idea!

In 5yrs, I imagine that more top and emerging designers will have complete upscale clothing lines that’s curvier-women oriented. I think there also maybe a push for major fashion schools like FIT and Parsons to offer degrees in fashion with a concentration in plus-size designing.

I also hope more women will begin to realize that in this fast food-digital era, not exercising is no longer an option! We must strive to be healthier for our families, friends and most importantly, ourselves. We must exercise and eat balanced meals.

Has working with stylists and make-up/hair artists helped you find your personal style? Can you describe your personal style?

I think working with stylists and make-up/hair artists has taught me what I don’t like. I keep my look very natural and clean; that’s beauty to me. I like make-up best, when using color on the face only adds to the overall dimension of color of the skin and enhances natural undertones. Same with my preference for clothes, I love the look and simplicity of a clean A-line dress or crisp white shirt and blue jeans. Call me old fashioned but it works and it’s timeless.

What does Madison Plus mean to you?

Madison Plus means a great deal of things: it sometimes means wardrobe inspiration or wardrobe renovation. Also, to me it means that women are taking back their right to examine the beauty of the feminine form and add color and Christian Louboutin pumps! It’s embracing ourselves for who we are and feeling beautiful about it.

Finish The Sentence

Always…keep moving forward

Never… be afraid to take the road less traveled by, that can make all the difference.

You can contact Alix Wise though her agency IPM Models.

Do you want to be our next Fresh Face model? Send your photos to info@madisonplus.com

(Photos clockwise from top left: Image #2, #3, #4, #5 and #6)
Photography by Tony Armstrong – http://tonyarmstrongphotos.com